How to restart the Xiaomi Mi Band 2: all ways to reset and recover

Why Mi Band 2 might need a restart and what it does

The 2016 Xiaomi Mi Band 2 fitness bracelet is still popular with users for its simplicity, reliability and low price, but even such a time-tested device sometimes fails: it stops syncing with the smartphone, incorrectly displays heart rate data, hangs on the logo or refuses to turn on, and 90% of these problems are solved by restarting the bracelet, a procedure that returns the bracelet to working condition without contacting the service center.

Rebooting (or resetting) the Mi Band 2 comes in two types: software (soft rebooting via menus) and hardware (hard button reset); the first method helps with minor interface glitches; the second method helps when the bracelet is completely “hang” or does not respond to touch; in extreme cases, it may be necessary to restore through the Mi Fit application with complete data cleaning - this is the only way to “resuscitate” the device after critical firmware errors.

It’s important to understand the difference between a reboot and a factory reset. A reboot simply restarts the system, keeping all the settings and statistics, whereas a reset erases all user information (steps, sleep, alarm clocks) and returns the bracelet to a “out of the box” state. In this article, we’ll go through all three methods, and also explain how to avoid the typical errors that can turn a restart into a “brick.”

Preparing for the restart: what to do in advance

Before you start resetting Mi Band 2, follow a few simple steps to minimize the risks of data loss or device damage:

• 📱 Sync data with the Mi Fit app. Open the app, wait for automatic sync or click on the bracelet icon → «Synchronize. This will keep the history of activity in the cloud.
• 🔋 Charge the bracelet to at least 50%. Reset with low battery charge can cause malfunctions in the firmware.
• 📡 Turn off Bluetooth on your smartphone if you plan to hard reset, which will prevent conflicts when reconnecting.
• 📝 Write down your current settings: alarm clock times, step goals, attached notifications, and you'll have to reset them once you reset them.

If the bracelet doesn't respond to touch and sync, try forcefully rebooting it before resetting completely. To do this, plug the Mi Band 2 into the charger for 10-15 minutes -- sometimes enough to wake up the device. If the screen remains empty or only the charging indicator is on, move to a hardware reset.

⚠️ Note: Do not use the Mi Band to charge 2 cables from other devices (e.g. Mi Band) 3/4). Contacts and voltage may vary, which will damage the battery.

Method 1: Software reboot through the bracelet menu

This is the safest way to restart, and it doesn't affect user data, and it helps if the bracelet is slowing down, it's not displaying the time correctly, or it's not syncing with the phone.

1. Swipe your finger across the Mi Band 2 screen to the left until the “More” menu (three-dot icon) appears.
2. Slip on the icon “More”, then scroll down to the Reboot item (on some firmware – Restart).
3. Confirm the action by ticking the tick. The bracelet vibrates and will start to reboot (the Mi logo will appear on the screen).

It takes about 30 seconds. After you reboot, all the settings and data will remain in place, but some temporary errors (such as synchronization failures) should disappear. If the problem is not solved, move to a hard reset.

Method 2: Hard button reset (if the bracelet does not respond)

Hardware reset is used when the Mi Band 2 is completely frozen: it doesn't turn on, doesn't react to touch, or reboots cyclically. This requires a physical button hidden under the bracelet body. Here's how to find and use it:

1. Remove the strap from the body of the bracelet, pulling it towards the screen.
2. Turn the case over and find a small hole next to the charging connector – this is the reset button.
3. Take a paper clip or a toothpick, insert it into the hole and press the button. Hold it for 5-7 seconds until the bracelet vibrates.
4. Release the button. The Mi logo should appear on the screen, signaling the start of the reset.

After a hard reset, the Mi Band 2 will return to factory settings, all data (steps, sleep, alarm clocks) will be deleted, and the bracelet will need to be re-associated with the Mi Fit application, which also helps if the device is not detected by the phone or if there is a connection error.

⚠️ Warning: Do not press the reset button for longer than 10 seconds - this can damage the bootloader.If the bracelet does not respond after the first press, repeat the procedure after 30 seconds.

Method 3: Reset via Mi Fit app (if bracelet connects)

If the Mi Band 2 syncs to the smartphone but is unstable, you can reset directly from the Mi Fit app. This method clears the settings, but saves the activity history in the cloud (if the sync was done in advance).

1. Open Mi Fit and go to your bracelet profile (slip on its icon on the home screen).
2. Select Device Settings → Untie the Device (or Remove the Device in Older Versions).
3. Confirm the junction, the bracelet will be reset to factory settings.
4. Reconnect Mi Band 2 to the app by following the instructions on the screen.

This method is useful if the bracelet has started to “glue” after updating the firmware or changing the smartphone. It also solves problems with notifications that have stopped coming to the device. After resetting, remember to reset the alarm clocks and activity goals — they are reset to the default values.

Typical restart errors and how to avoid them

Even a simple reset procedure can go wrong unless you consider a few key issues: Here are the most common user errors and ways to prevent them:

• 🔌 Reset during charging. If you reload the bracelet connected to the USB, This can cause a firmware failure. Always turn off the charger before resetting.
• 📵 If you press the reset button and release it too early (less than 5 seconds), the bracelet may not complete the procedure!
• 📲 Using unofficial firmware. After reset, some users try to flash the Mi Band 2 with custom firmware. This often leads to the "bricking" of the device.
• 🔋 Low battery charge. Reset with a charge below 20% can cause reset cycles. Charge the bracelet to at least 50%.

If the Mi Band 2 doesn’t turn on or hovers on the logo after reset, try the following:

1. Connect the bracelet to charge and wait 1-2 hours (even if the indicator does not burn).
2. Repeat the hard reset button, holding it for 10 seconds.
3. Install the latest version of Mi Fit on your smartphone and try to re-tether the device.

💡

If the bracelet is not detected in Mi Fit after reset, try clearing the app cache. Go to your smartphone settings → Apps → Mi Fit → Storage → Clear the cache.

What to do if the restart does not help

In rare cases, even a hard reset doesn't bring the Mi Band 2 back to life, which could indicate hardware problems like a dead battery, a damaged board, or broken contacts.

1. Check charging: Use the original cable and power supply (5V/1A). If the indicator does not light up, the problem may be in the connector.
2. Inspect the body: Moisture or mechanical damage (cracks, dents) often disable the bracelet, in which case only repair will help.
3. Try another smartphone: Sometimes conflicts arise because of the Android/iOS version or Mi Fit regional settings.
4. Contact the service: If the bracelet does not respond to either charging or resetting, it is likely that a replacement board or battery will be required.

The cost of repairing the Mi Band 2 usually does not exceed 1,500-2,000 rubles (depending on the breakdown), however, given the age of the model, it is often advisable to buy a new bracelet - for example, Mi Band 7 or Mi Band 8, which support modern features (SpO₂, Stress monitoring and have better protection from water.

💡

If the bracelet doesn't turn on after all the manipulations, the reason is often a faulty battery. It can be replaced yourself (video instructions are available on YouTube), but this requires accuracy and skill with small electronics.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Xiaomi Mi Band 2 reboot